Michael and Alicia hurried along a bustling street in downtown Atlanta, slipping through the crowd in an attempt to blend in and avoid drawing attention to their abrupt exit from the hospital. Michael was now dressed in the clothes he had found in the hospital room—an old, faded black hoodie and tan cargo shorts that had seen better days. His shoes, worn and scuffed, barely provided any comfort. Uriel followed closely behind, her presence felt more than seen as she continued speaking to Michael telepathically.
Despite the familiarity of the cityscape, there were subtle differences that reminded Michael he wasn't in his world anymore. The architecture was sleek and futuristic, with buildings reaching high into the sky, their glass facades reflecting the midday sun. Hovering above the streets, every fifteen minutes or so, sleek flying cars zipped by, humming with a soft, almost melodic sound. The ground-level traffic was also different, with vehicles that seemed to glide silently over the roads.
As Michael walked, he couldn't help but sneak glances at Alicia, particularly drawn to her striking eyes. The vivid purple and deep green with blue flecks were unlike anything he had seen before, and they seemed to almost glow with an inner light.
(So, Uriel, do you know how this world works? And why are Alicia's eyes glowing like that?) Michael asked, his curiosity piqued despite the bizarre nature of his situation.
(I'll start with the world's structure and get to her later,) Uriel began, her tone shifting to a more informative one. (First, this world has the same countries as yours, with a few key differences—primarily in size. The countries here are much larger, almost twice as big as those in your old world. The United States is still known as America, but it's ruled by a Presidential clan—the Corvinus clan. The Senate is controlled by other powerful clans who support the country. London, however, is ruled by vampires, and they're the ones who've put a bounty on gravity users. I suspect this has something to do with one of the other champions, but I can't say for sure.)
Michael felt a chill run down his spine. (How could one of the others know about my abilities? I thought your father said we aren't allowed that information. Also, isn't it strange that the Presidential clan shares the same name as me?)
(I can't speak on the last name similarity, but no rules were broken in the contest thus far. Your talent choices were meant to be hidden, but individual abilities can be inferred. Remember, my father let you choose your elements, but they weren't the actual gift you asked for. One of the other gods might have exploited the rarity of gravity users in this world. They don't know about your ability to devour or your Ancient God Physique.) Uriel's voice carried a note of caution, reminding Michael of the complexity of his situation.
Michael frowned, the weight of his decisions settling on his shoulders. (Whatever, just continue telling me about the world.)
(Africa is ruled by elves, predominantly dark elves, though other elf races also hold significant numbers. China is ruled by dragons, second to no other species, while Japan is under the control of the Oni. Russia is home to the werewolves, and South America is inhabited by beast men. The devils have been banished to Antarctica, and the remaining countries are inhabited by regular humans who possess supernatural abilities. All of these great powers send their younger generation to the number one high school here in California to be trained together. That's why the age of fourteen is such a crucial turning point in everyone's lives.)
Michael processed this information, his mind working to piece together this new reality. (Why are all these world powers so friendly as to send their geniuses to one school in America? It doesn't make any sense.) His experience as a soldier had taught him to be wary of alliances that seemed too good to be true.
(They do have disputes, but they try to contain the bloodshed. The world is riddled with rifts—portals that lead to realms filled with monsters. These rifts vary in rank from F to S, with SS-ranked rifts being referred to as world calamities. The rifts are where everyone goes to become stronger, gain resources, and temper themselves. The looming threat of a world calamity prevents these nations from indulging in full-scale wars. That's also why they send all their geniuses to the same school—to build connections and ensure future cooperation.) Uriel explained, her voice steady.
Michael nodded, the pieces falling into place. (That makes sense. But how do they settle disputes? I can't imagine so many powerful beings playing nice all the time.)
(They allow small-scale battles up to A Rank. S Rank and above are reserved for official one-on-one duels, with all parties agreeing to the terms. It's a system designed to maintain balance and prevent unnecessary destruction.) Uriel's tone carried a note of approval for the system's effectiveness.
(Alright, I suppose that works. But what about Alicia's eyes?)
(Ah, those are divine eyes. They allow her to see a person's information, mana flow, and see through illusion talents up to a certain level. Very useful, especially for you. It seems she's recently awakened and gained that S-ranked ability.) Uriel's voice hinted at interest, as if she were gauging Michael's reaction.
(Can they be used to see what talents someone else has?) Michael asked, intrigued by the possibilities.
(Yes, they can.) Uriel confirmed.
The conversation, though it seemed lengthy, had taken only a few minutes in real time. Alicia, walking ahead of Michael, was unaware of the silent exchange happening behind her. They continued down the busy sidewalk, weaving through the crowd. The cityscape of downtown Atlanta was both familiar and alien to Michael, with its towering skyscrapers and bustling energy. Signs and storefronts lined the streets, displaying advertisements for products and services that hinted at the advanced technology of this world.
(While we're on the subject of information, you should know that you can access your own stats by stating "Status" out loud or mentally. A panel will appear, showing you your current physical state.) Uriel added.
Michael decided to test it. (Status!)
As Uriel had explained, a translucent blue panel materialized before him, displaying his information.
[Name: Michael Corvinus]
[Rank: Mortal]
[Talents:
Ancient God Physique [Partially Sealed]
Light Manipulation [Affinity: S] [Rank F]
Fire Manipulation [Affinity: C] [Rank F]
Gravity Manipulation [Affinity: F] [Rank F]
Lightning Manipulation [Affinity: C] [Rank F]
Devouring [Rank F]
[Stats:]
Mana Pool: 20
STR: 5
SPD: 6
INT: 8
DEX: 9
Michael studied the information, noting the ranks and affinities of his talents. The partial seal on his Ancient God Physique and the low ranks on all his talents reminded him of how much work he had ahead of him. But there was potential here—immense potential, if he could unlock it.
(Well, this is a start. At least I know where I stand.) Michael thought, closing the panel.
As they walked, Michael felt the weight of his new reality settle over him. He was in a strange world, inhabiting a stranger's body, and the road ahead was uncertain. But he wasn't the type to back down from a challenge. With Uriel's guidance and Alicia's help, he would face whatever came next.
The contest had begun, and Michael Corvinus was determined to survive—no matter what it took.